Saliva

Question 1

Enzymes present in saliva

Answer 1

Amylase
Lysozymes (hydrolysis of peptidoglycans in gram negative bacteria’s cell wall
Lingual lipase - TGs to fas and diglycerides

Question 2

What does secretory IgA in the saliva do

Answer 2

Prevents microbial attachment to epithelium

Question 3

Types of cells in salivary glands

Answer 3

Acinar cells: produce primary saliva
Myoepithelial cells: contract to push saliva along duct
Ductal: remove Na+ and Cl- in exchange for K+ and HCO3-

Question 4

Low vs high rate of secretion

Answer 4

Low rate - lots of reabsorption of electrolytes; results in hypotonic saliva (not many solutes)
High rate - reduced reabsorption (high levels of Cl-, Na+ and HCO3-) - isotonic saliva

Question 5

What is osmolality

Answer 5

The number of milliosmoles of solute per kg of solution

Low = little solute in solution

Question 6

What regulation of salivary secretion is dominant

Answer 6

Parasympathetic ANS regulation

• sight, thought, smell, nausea, vasodilation, myoepithelial cell contraction increase production/secretion
• fatigue, fear, sleep and dehydration inhibit secretion via CNVII (for sub glands) and CNIX (for parotid gland)

Question 7

Sympathetic neural stimulation

Answer 7

Mucin and enzyme rich saliva
Initial vasoconstriction (noradrenaline stimulates a adrenergic receptors) then vasodilation (due to bradykinin)

Question 8

Sjogren’s syndrome

Answer 8

Autoimmune
Destroys exocrine glands
Affects tear and saliva production
Dry eyes and mouth

Question 9

Xerostomia

Answer 9

Patients lack adequate saliva
Dental problems due to bacterial overgrowth
Difficulty speaking or swallowing food